OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A House committee has approved a bill that would allow public school teachers to help students understand and critique the strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories like evolution and global warming.

The House Common Education Committee approved House Bill 1551 by Rep. Sally Kern on a 9-7 vote on Tuesday and sent it to the full House for consideration. Kern's bill failed in the same committee last year.

Kern told The Oklahoman that under her measure, teachers would be free to instruct students about various scientific theories without fear of losing their jobs. She says it's not intended to bring religious beliefs like creationism into the classroom. 

However, Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education president Victor Hutchison says the bill's language comes from the creationist Discovery Institute in Seattle.

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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

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